Montgomery Family 01 - Lost Pleasures Found by Vikki Vaught Page B

there and offered to take their outer garments. He called for the housekeeper, Mrs. Milton, and she asked if they would like to go to their rooms to freshen up before they joined the family. They told her they would like that, and she led them upstairs.
    The suite of rooms was lovely. There were two bedchambers with dressing rooms attached, and a sitting room was situated between their bedchambers. There was even a bathing room, which Melody had never seen before. The chamber she would be using was decorated in shades of blue and yellow, and it had gilded white French furniture. The counterpane, on the bed, was a lovely shade of blue with ecru lace around the edge and a marching canopy. Melody thought of what it would be like to make love to Henry in that glorious bed and it caused a warm sensation to run throughout her body. There was a small French desk, which would be perfect for her correspondence. French doors led out to a balcony that overlooked a lovely rose garden, and she knew that next spring it would be truly glorious to behold with all the roses in full bloom.
    The walls in Henry’s chamber was painted a deep blue with pale gray accents with much heavier dark oak furniture, giving the room a masculine feel to it, and there was an enormous oak bed. It was the biggest bed she had ever seen—two people could easily get lost in it—of that she was sure. She thought she could be very comfortable living here, as long as Henry’s parents accepted her. Before Henry left Melody in her chamber, he said, “Your maid should be up shortly. Why don’t you take your time and rest a bit before you join the family. I’ll return in an hour, and then we’ll go down together to meet everyone.”
    Melody met Henry’s eyes and said with trepidation, “Whatever you think is best Henry. I look forward to meeting your brother and your sisters, but I dread meeting your parents. I just know they’re not going to like me.”
    Henry shrugged and said, “I don’t want you to worry. Remember what I told you they’re like and that they’re the same way with almost everyone. Try to overlook their rudeness, and I’ll be there to protect you. You’ll love my sisters, and I know they’ll love you. Nelson will be thrilled when he sees how happy you make me, so relax. I’ll return shortly. See you in a bit, my love.”
     
    He rushed through, getting his travel dirt off and hurried down to speak with his parents. When he found his parents in his father’s study, it was obvious, by the expressions on their faces, that they were not happy to see him at all. His father was sitting behind his big desk, and he motioned for Henry to take a seat. His mother was sitting on the couch by the window looking very haughty. Henry took a seat across from his father and said, “Good afternoon, I hope both of you are doing well. My bride and I have just arrived. Melody will be down shortly to meet both of you. I hope you’ll welcome her into the family. I told you in my letter that she comes from a good family and that I love her very much, so please be kind to her. She’s feeling a little overwhelmed by it all, so she needs to feel welcomed.”
    With distain on his face, his grace said, “Why should we welcome her? You know you were supposed to marry Lady Penelope. She would have enriched the ducal holdings. What does this little country mouse bring to us? Not a thing! Her father is a vicar with no consequence to speak of, and you did not even have the decency to let us know you were getting married. We did not have a chance to voice our opinion regarding this marriage. This is so like you, Henry. You have always been so impulsive and thoughtless. I guess we should have expected this type of behavior, as you have been this way all your life! Your mother and I are extremely disappointed in you.”
    “Regardless of how you feel about me, you’ll treat Melody with respect. Any wrongdoing has been done by me, and I shan’t allow you to punish